Nine Candidates Compete in Ondo South By-Election

The Ondo South senatorial seat has become vacant following the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria's permanent representative to the United Nations. A by-election is scheduled for June 20, with nine candidates vying for the position.

Key aspirants include Morayo Lebi, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Mathew Oyerinmade, Princess Oladunni Odu, Agboola Ajayi, Jumok Akindele, Diran Iyantan, and Otunba Kayode Fakuyi. The political landscape is marked by intense competition, particularly within the APC, as factions align with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ibrahim's loyalists.

The APC aims to consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, while the PDP and other parties see this as an opportunity to regain strength in the region. The election is expected to test the APC's grassroots support amid internal divisions, with significant debates over the distribution of the senatorial ticket among different zones within Ondo South.